Get into the right environment

When someone tries to cut us down to size, they're probably trying to cut us down to their size. What should we do? Love them, but don't be overly influenced by what they say. Instead of staying where we're tolerated, let's go where we're appreciated!

The Japanese bonsai tree is tiny, typically grown up to about fifteen cm tall. To create a bonsai, a young sapling is pulled from the soil. The taproot and other feeder shoots are tied off, so the growth of the bonsai tree is deliberately stunted. By contrast, the California sequoia tree grows massive. For example, the General Sherman in California's Sequoia National Park stands eighty-four metres and measures thirty-one metres in circumference at its trunk. If it were cut down, it would provide enough lumber to build over thirty five-room homes!

The sequoia begins life as a small seed no bigger than the bonsai seed. But, the sequoia sapling is allowed to be nourished in the rich California soil and sunshine. Neither the bonsai nor the sequoia has a choice in determining how large it will become. But we do, so let's let go of our past and find an environment that nourishes and grows us.



So what now? You can choose to stay where you are and never develop, or move to a rich, fertile, nourishing environment. Is that always easy? No. But if you believe what Jesus said - 'my purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life' (John 10:10 NLT) - you'll be willing to do it.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Walk with the wise and become wise.' Proverbs 13:20 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Jer 7-9, Mark 15:21-32, Ps 8, Pro 14:9-12